Tag Archives: luxury lifestyle

Gifting Luxury Wine & Spirits, A New Trend

The culture of gifting in Southeast Asia is evolving, and luxury wines and spirits are at the centre of this trend. Once seen mainly as status symbols, premium bottles are now chosen for their stories, craftsmanship, and cultural resonance. From Singapore to Vietnam, gifting is growing, driven by changing preferences, digital commerce, and premiumisation of F&B.

Affluent consumers are moving beyond imported classics to gifts that reflect local identity. Artisanal spirits such as Bali’s Iwak Arumery, Singapore’s Tanglin Gin, and Thailand’s Chalong Bay Rum showcase heritage-driven narratives through indigenous ingredients and traditional techniques. Similarly, the Philippines’ Don Papa rum draws on folklore and history to create an emotional bond.

Experiences Over Bottles

Packaging and presentation are increasingly as important as the liquid. Limited-edition bottles, collectible sets, and artistic collaborations elevate gifting, while immersive experiences with personalised labels and glassware turn a bottle into a celebration.

Festivals and milestones further drive demand. From Songkran in Thailand to Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam and weddings in Indonesia, luxury alcohol has become a prestigious part of celebrations. Corporate gifting, anniversaries, and personal milestones continue to be in vogue, often with bespoke sets.

E-commerce is fuelling the trend, offering curated packs, same-day delivery, and customisation such as engraved labels. The unboxing experience is now part of the value proposition, making online platforms vital for reaching affluent consumers in Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila.

Sustainability Meets Premiumisation

Wealthier consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental and ethical practices. Eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and transparent production are shaping gifting choices, blending luxury with conscience.

The luxury wine and spirits segment is poised for strong growth. Singapore continues to position itself as a regional hub, while Vietnam and Thailand are emerging as high-potential markets with expanding fine dining cultures. Even in traditionally conservative markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, discreet but premium gifting is gaining ground among urban elites.

Luxury gifting is no longer just about indulgence—it is about culture, story, and experience. With digital platforms enhancing accessibility, heritage brands adding authenticity, and sustainability guiding decisions, the future of gifting in Southeast Asia is premium, personalised, and meaningful.

Singapore: A Regional Hub for Premium Gifting
As Southeast Asia’s financial hub, Singapore leads the luxury wine and spirits market with a strong corporate gifting culture. Premium wines, rare whiskies, and collectible editions dominate, particularly during Lunar New Year. With advanced e-commerce and duty-free at Changi, personalisation and curated sets are driving demand. Prestige brands like Dom Pérignon, Hennessy, Macallan, and Glenfiddich are go-to gifting staples.

Thailand: Tradition Meets Celebration
Thailand’s festive calendar, especially Songkran and year-end corporate occasions, drives gifting. Rum and whisky lead, with Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Moët & Chandon popular among elites. Local craft spirit Chalong Bay rum adds authenticity and cultural depth.

Vietnam: Emerging Fine Wine Market
Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing wine markets, with Tet as the peak gifting season. French wines, especially Bordeaux and Burgundy, symbolise prestige, while Martell, Rémy Martin, and fine Cognacs remain staples. Younger professionals are also embracing alternatives like Don Papa rum for its storytelling appeal.

Indonesia & Malaysia: Discreet but Growing
In stricter markets, luxury gifting is discreet but aspirational. Weddings, corporate milestones, and private parties feature Johnnie Walker Blue, Royal Salute, Chivas Regal 25, and Macallan Rare Cask, often gifted in bespoke or limited editions.

With cultural collaborations, limited editions, and experiential packaging, luxury wines and spirits continue to shape Southeast Asia’s gifting culture—premium, personal, and meaningful.

Jim Beam and Cadillac Formula 1 Global Partnership

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Two American originals united on one world stage

Jim Beam bourbon, and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, have entered into a multi-year global partnership that brings together two of the most iconic names in American culture, now united on the world’s fastest stage: Formula 1. In 2026, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will enter the FIA Formula 1 World Championship as the first new addition to the grid since 2016, with Jim Beam as its Official Spirits Partner.

Formed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team brings together a legacy of engineering excellence and a shared commitment to innovation and performance—representing a new chapter in American participation on the global Formula 1 stage.

“More than a sponsorship, this story has been 90 years in the making. Every evening, Jim Beam, the brand’s legendary founder, would place a mason jar of his proprietary yeast—the living heart of his protected recipe—in the front seat of his Cadillac and drive it home to protect it from fire and prohibition. This daily ritual preserved the essential ingredient that still defines Jim Beam’s unmatched flavour enjoyed today around the world. Today, Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller, still drives a Cadillac, a quiet tribute to the car that helped safeguard his family legacy,” a release from Jim Beam said.

“We are excited to bring the soul of Kentucky to the global stage of Formula 1 with Cadillac, a brand that’s been part of the Beam family’s story through the ages,” said Rashidi Hodari, managing director, James B. Beam Distilling Co.

“Both car racing and making Jim Beam bourbon require every individual and moving part to come together to create a positive collective outcome. The pit crew and our distillery workers both rely on the power of their communities to win. It’s this common understanding and the importance of connection with the next generation of Formula 1 fans that inspires us.”

With a vision to help the sport reach new audiences, the Official Partnership will come to life both on and off the track through immersive fan experiences with a focus on alcohol responsibility, retail and trade activations, and most importantly, a desire to bring people together.

“This partnership brings together two icons of American heritage to create something truly special,” said Cadillac Formula 1 Team Chief Executive Officer Dan Towriss. “Formula 1 is a global stage, and we want to take our fans on this journey with us every step of the way. Our vision goes beyond racing—we’re building a team that lives where sport, technology, and culture collide. With Jim Beam joining our family of partners, the momentum behind this project grows stronger every day as we gear up for our debut next year.”

With a core value of connection, uniting fans across the world, sport and music have always played a role in the Jim Beam brand’s heritage. From sponsoring the National Football League’s (NFL)Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) L.A. Dodgers, and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S.S.F), to car racing including the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR in the U.S., and Dick Johnson Racing (DJR), Australia’s oldest racing team. The brand has also brought fans together through local music festivals and underground shows around the world, and with global musical acts such as Muse and LeSserafim.

Radico Khaitan launches New Luxury Vodka – The Spirit of Kashmyr

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Radico Khaitan has announced its entry into the luxury vodka segment with the launch of ‘The Spirit of Kashmyr’. Having established itself in the premium whisky segment, Radico Khaitan now broadens its focus with an entry into high-end vodka.

Drawing inspiration from the cultural richness and natural heritage of Kashmir, the new vodka positions itself in the top-end of the Indian vodka category. The Spirit of Kashmyr is a small-batch, grain-based vodka distilled five times and charcoal-filtered for clarity. According to Radico -what sets it apart is its visual and vibrant packaging, a floral motif rendered in papier-mâché style, influenced by the artisanal legacy of Kashmir.

Available in two variants — Natural (Classic) and Saffron — the vodka is currently being introduced in select markets including Goa, followed by other key states in the coming months. Priced at ₹2,500 for a 750 ml bottle in Goa, the brand will be competing in the luxury tier, where vodka consumption in India has seen growing interest among urban consumers.This launch is in line with a broader trend of Indian players tapping into the country’s own cultural narratives to build globally relevant premium brands. With The Spirit of Kashmyr, Rooted in Indian heritage, the launch reflects a growing focus on blending premium craft with cultural authenticity.

Shah Rukh Khan’s D’YAVOL Inception Wins Gold at Berlin

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D’YAVOL Inception, the flagship blended malt Scotch whisky from D’YAVOL Luxury Spirits, has been awarded Gold at the prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC) 2025. The Berlin International Spirits Competition stands out as the only European spirits competition judged exclusively by trade buyers, including sommeliers, beverage directors, and retail experts from across the continent. Spirits, RTDs, and non-alcoholic spirits are evaluated based on category and actual price, ensuring a real-world assessment of quality and value.

Shah Rukh Khan, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Consistent recognitions like these fuels our drive to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards. It’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on a global stage.”

Inception is a blend of eight rare single malts, selected from Scotland’s whisky regions — Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and the Islands. Aged up to 12 years, Inception undergoes an extended maturation in first-fill Tawny Port and rare Madeira casks, adding layers of depth and richness.

Launched in 2023, this non-chill filtered whisky preserves its full depth of flavour, mouthfeel, and character. Its complex profile unfolds with rich notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and oak spice, complemented by subtle hints of smoked wood, ripe plums, spiced vanilla, and a gentle smokiness.

Bunty Singh, Co-Founder, D’YAVOL, says, “Winning multiple international awards including ‘Best Overall Scotch’ at the New York World Spirits Competition and now a gold medal at the Berlin International Spirits Competition 2025 is an incredible honour. These back-to-back wins reaffirm our commitment to crafting spirits that stand out on the world stage.”

Alongside Inception’s Gold medal at BISC 2025, the brand’s Single Estate Vodka was also awarded a Silver Medal.

Ajay Devgn and Cartel Bros Debut ‘The GlenJourneys’

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21-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
Only 600 bottles released
Limited Cask Series to be launched in India in August

Actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn has partnered with luxury spirits house Cartel Bros to launch ‘The GlenJourneys Pioneer Edition’, a premium 21-year-old Highland single malt scotch whisky. This exclusive release marks a significant milestone in India’s luxury spirits’ landscape. The Pioneer Edition boasts a robust 48% ABV, presented in an elegantly crafted oak-finished cask with intricate inlay detailing.

This limited release will be available through select travel retail channels worldwide, catering to discerning connoisseurs and collectors. While travel retail prices for the 21-year-old single malt are forthcoming, The GlenJourneys will also offer three non-age statement expressions: Rum Cask, Bourbon Cask, and Sherry Cask. These variants will be priced between ₹7,500 and ₹9,000. This launch underscores Cartel Bros’ commitment to delivering exceptional luxury spirits experiences, further elevating India’s premium whisky segment.

On April 10, Mumbai witnessed the exclusive launch announcement of The GlenJourneys. The limited Pioneer’s Edition provides an exclusive chance for a select few to own a piece of whisky history before it arrives in India.

India Launch – The Cask Series to Follow

While the flagship 21-year-old single malt debuts globally, Indian whisky lovers can look forward to the brand’s Cask Series, scheduled for release in August 2025. This special collection of cask-aged single malts will highlight the unique finishes and expressions designed specifically for the Indian market. Further details on the cask types, its expressions, tasting notes, and limited edition bottlings are expected to be revealed by the end of August.

“The GlenJourneys is a culmination of passion and artistry, a tribute to the untamed spirit of the Highlands,” said Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz, Mansionz, and Co-founder of Cartel Bros. “We’ve poured our hearts into creating a collection that transcends the ordinary, offering a truly exceptional tasting experience.”

From the first sip to the lingering finish, each moment with The GlenJourneys is an expedition of flavour. Driven by the expertise of Cartel Bros, the makers of The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky and the leadership of co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Neeraj Singh. The GlenJourneys, crafted in the Scottish Highlands, is a 21-year-old single malt aged exclusively in hand-selected American oak casks. It opens with velvety vanilla sweetness and ripe fruit, leading into a palate that is silky, layered, and luxuriously mellow. The journey concludes with a long, lingering finish, where subtle whispers of smoke remind you of the untamed wilderness from which it was born.

“Bringing The Glen Journeys 21‑year‑old Highland single malt to life has been a journey of passion and precision,” said Ajay Devgn. “Every detail of the brand reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. With this collaboration with Cartel Bros, we offer an exceptional whisky to connoisseurs worldwide, starting with the introduction of the 21-year-old single malt whisky in travel retail channels across the world.”

Cartel Bros is force to reckon with in the world of fine spirits, pushing boundaries, redefining luxury, and elevating whisky culture. With the success of The Glenwalk, they have established themselves and have activated operations in over 50 cities across 12 Indian states, with a growing presence in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with rapid expansion plans in other international regions soon.

Oaksmith Style Studio Features Actor Vijay Varma

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Oaksmith packaged drinking water has unveiled an innovative platform – Oaksmith Style Studio in collaboration with actor Vijay Varma, reflecting his distinct sense of style. Conceptualized by BBH, the platform is dedicated to elevating the style quotient and helping Indian men peg it higher in life.

The campaign kicked off with an intriguing teaser featuring style icon Vijay Varma, the brand’s first ambassador, on a quest for the perfect elements for his new Oaksmith Style Studio. The collaboration showcases Vijay Varma in four distinct, trendsetting avatars, set to a captivating original soundtrack.

Speaking about his collaboration, Vijay Varma said, “I am pleased to launch the Oaksmith Style Studio and showcase how men can peg it higher in terms of styling for every occasion. Throughout my career, I have experimented with interesting ways to style and present myself, and I am eager to share these insights. With this collaboration, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and practical approach to men’s styling providing the guidance that many have been seeking. Oaksmith Style Studio is not just about looking good, but about empowering men to express their individuality through style. I am excited to share this new venture with everyone”

Parikshit Bhattacharya, CCO of BBH India, commented on the experience of building Oaksmith Style Studio. “Our goal was to create a platform that not only offers style advice but also resonates with the modern man. The Oaksmith Style Studio embodies sophistication, individuality, and practical styling solutions. Working with Vijay Varma and Oaksmith has been an exciting journey, and we are confident that this campaign will set a new benchmark in men’s styling. Oaksmith Style Studio is not just a campaign. We wanted to create a platform that goes beyond style tips and becomes a source of confidence.”